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AMY RAULS & CLAUDIA WELLS J o h n We s l e y V i l l a s What made you want to work at John Wesley Villas? It's wonderful to have a job that really makes a difference in the lives of others. John-Wesley is such a happy and caring senior community with such devotion to the residents that it was just a good fit and opportunity. The transition from home and total independence happens in phases at John-Wesley. In our independent living, seniors are basically on their own with built in entertainment, socialization and less responsibility, which helps keep them younger and happier for years longer. In personal care, the residents have all of their activities of daily living taken care of and can simply enjoy whatever they like to do. What is your job's biggest challenge? The biggest challenge is accomplishing what you want for every resident, every day. They are all wonderful and unique, and while we try to give as much as possible, there are only so many hours in a day. Luckily we're blessed with a staff that feels the same way, and they always give beyond the hours they are scheduled. What is the most rewarding part of your job? Without a doubt, it is loving and being loved by the residents. We learn so much from them and they enhance our lives. They have such great stories and are always ready to give a hug. And not only the residents, but their families too! We've made lifelong friends over the years because we share a common goal - we want the best for their moms, dads, aunts, uncles, relatives and friends. How has business changed over the years? The retirement living model has been around for a while now and residents are savvy consumers. They expect the best! The good news is that that's our philosophy too! We've always given more and have a great reputation to show for it. 5471 Thomaston Rd. I 478-476-0720 I JohnWesleyVillas.com MARY-FRANCES BURT B u r t & B u r t What led you to start a graphic design agency? I worked at a printing company, a university and then a publishing house. By then I knew I wanted to work directly with clients and participate in decision-making. To have that freedom I needed my own agency. Placing creative people behind management is an outdated way to conduct business. Designers are, by nature, problem-solvers. You want them at the beginning of a conversation, not just at the end of a project to execute an idea. By then, it's too late for anything truly original to happen. What do you feel is unique about your business and the way you work with clients? When someone hires us, we learn everything we can about the business or organization. Our clients know their industry and customers. They know what their challenges are. It's our job to listen and find solutions that work for them. There is a tendency for a new person to come in and say, we're starting from scratch and throwing everything out, which is just crazy. Obviously something is working or the organization wouldn't exist. We find what that is and build from there. What is your biggest challenge? Helping people understand that design isn't just about aesthetics. We're primarily focused on solving problems and meeting specific objectives. If it turns out to be beautiful, too, that's even better. In what ways would you like your business to grow over the next 5 years? More staff would mean we wouldn't have to turn down projects. Nothing would make me happier! Right now we are planning two book projects that will draw attention to our city and complement current grassroots efforts. Macon has a lot to offer, and we want everyone to know it. We're in the works to add advertising to our design, print and outdoor services–radio, television, and social media. We look forward to translating a well-crafted message across the board. Mary-Frances Burt (center) with new hires Nicollette Childs (left) and Caitlin Brannon (right). All three received design degrees from the Lamar Dodd School of Art at UGA. 609-B Cherry St. I Macon , Ga. (478)746-2991 I burtandburt@cox.net www.burtandburt.com 76 l MACON MAGAZINE JUNE/JULY 2013 A D V E R T I S E M E N T